Prior to moving to the United States, Richard (Roo) Collins worked as a designer and architect in London for nearly 15 years. As a key member of RFK Architects, he managed high-end interior-focused projects, including luxury apartments, world-renowned museums, and large-scale, high-end retail stores, single-family homes, private residential refurbishments, and historic properties. Prior to joining RFK, he spent 13 years as a carpenter and furniture maker for private clients in the United States, United Kingdom, and Ireland. Roo got his masters equivalent from Oxford Brooks University and his bachelors from London Metropolitan University. He earned his architecture license from the Royal Institute of British Architects.

Even from a young age, Roo was drawn to architecture. During his time as a carpenter and cabinetmaker, he worked with many different architects with many different approaches, both in the U.S. and the U.K., and was intrigued by their ability to visualize an entire building. This time he spent collaborating closely with architects reignited his design to become an architect himself.

Today, Roo enjoys seeing a building he has designed occupied and inhabited and finds satisfaction in turning an idea or sketch into something real that enhances someone’s life.

After years spent working on urban sites in London, Roo is looking forward to working on a variety of extraordinary sites in Maine. When not at work, he spends time renovating his 1792 Georgian farmhouse in Freeport, playing tennis, and keeping tabs on the soccer leagues back in England. He is looking forward to exploring more of New England with his family.

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